February 2018

For parents, naming a child is a major responsibility. Many factors go into the decision: How does this name sound with our last name? Who else has the name? Is there any teasing potential? What is the name’s origin or meaning? In the Bible, names often have special significance. That’s true of Jesus, whose name reveals that he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Other names for Jesus reveal his power and personality: Lamb of God, Light of the World, Bread of Life, True Vine, Living Water, Good Shepherd, the Word, the Truth, Cornerstone, Prince of Peace, Immanuel (“God with us”), Rabboni (“Teacher”), and more.

As children grow in their relationship with Jesus, they begin to understand the meaning of his names. They’ll also discover that Jesus names them, providing an identity that’s more significant than any label the world can offer. Jesus calls us his children (John 1:12), his friends (John 15:15), his heirs (Romans 8:17), saints (1 Corinthians 1:2), his temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), and more. When children claim their “new names” in Jesus, they’re blessed with an identity the world can never take away. Knowing that they are precious lambs of the Shepherd and beloved children of God—who is love (1 John 4:8)— provides a foundation for lifelong faith and growth. Read on to discover more about the power of a name.

Explore the Power of a Name

POWERSOURCE ASK GOD:

1. To make his name known to

your children.

2. To reveal himself to your family

in meaningful ways.

3. To help your kids recognize the

significance of God calling them

his beloved children.

The Vision of St Peter’s

Children’s Ministry is for all children to

DISCOVER the love of Jesus.

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Named With a Purpose Beforehand, gather a variety of rocks and set out painting supplies. Read from a children’s Bible about people who received new names, like: Abram became Abraham, Simon became Peter, and Saul became Paul). Ask: Why do you think God gave these people new names? If God changed your name, what do you think it might be, and why? Read aloud Matthew 16:17-18. Say: Jesus gave Simon a new name with a special meaning. “Peter” means rock, and Jesus planned to use Peter to help build his church. Jesus has special plans for each of us, too.

Let family members each choose a rock. Say: Your rock is unique, just like you. Paint your name on your rock as a reminder that Jesus knows your name and has a purpose for you. Close in prayer, thanking Jesus for naming us as his friends and helpers. Then enjoy rock candy or rocky road ice cream.

What’s in a Name?

The names we use for God affect children’s perception of him. To some kids, God is a magical being or an old man with a long white beard. Kids’ questions at each age level offer insights into who they perceive God to be. Preschoolers may ask if God loves them and if he’s like Daddy or another father figure. Talk about God in terms of your child’s immediate experiences and activities. By age 4 or 5, children wonder where God is and how he made things. Share short essential truths, admitting that we can’t know everything about God because he’s so great. By ages 6 to 8, children are curious about things beyond their environment, and by the preteen years, they want to know why bad things happen. Be prepared for skepticism, ask follow-up questions, and assure kids it’s good to keep learning about Jesus.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to

be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” —Proverbs 22:1, NIV

Name Meanings Get a baby-name book or find a website that explains name meanings. Help family members find out what their names mean. Ask: “Why are names important? What’s it like to be called the wrong name? Can you imagine having another name?” Read aloud John 10:1-5 as a reminder that God knows each of us by name. Naming Game Read a child-friendly version of the Creation account (Genesis 1 & 2) and talk about the important naming job God gave Adam. Ask: “If you were told to name all the animals, what names would you choose? Why?” Seeing Stars Go outside at night and look at the stars together. Afterward, read aloud Psalm 147:4. Say: “The Bible says God knows how many stars there are and that he knows the name of each one. That’s because God made all the stars. God knows our names, too—because he made us all. And he knows everything about us.” Say a prayer, thanking God for naming and knowing us. Good Name Game Stand in a circle to play this memory game. Say: “Let’s take turns saying our names and something we like to

do, while acting it out. Before saying your name and doing your action, you must repeat the names and actions of the people before you.” Keep adding actions until recall becomes too difficult. Then read aloud Proverbs 22:1. Ask: “What does it mean to have a good name? How can you make sure your choices and actions give you a good name?” Who’s Who? Write the names of Bible people on index cards—one per card. Tape a card on each person’s forehead and display a master list of names. Then ask yes-or-no questions to discover your identity. Start out broad, such as “Am I a boy? Am I a girl?” Then get more specific, such as “Am I in Jesus’ family?” “Did I build something?” To provide fodder for formulating questions, include factoids about each person on the list. Name Freeze Put a beanbag on each family member’s head. Say: “Walk around. If your beanbag falls off, you must freeze in place—until someone says your name and puts the beanbag back on your head.” After playing, talk about why it’s important to know others’ names and to use them in kind ways.

MOVIE Title: Early Man Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Rating: Not yet rated Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Eddie Redmayne Synopsis: Caveman Dug must unite his prehistoric tribe to save its home from a fierce enemy in this Bronze-Age comedy. Early Man is from the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, and it’s filmed in the same style and voiced by an all-British cast. Our Take: Dug is a big-hearted optimist who has great ambitions for his tribe, despite its shortcomings. They must overcome challenges together to achieve more than they dream is possible. Discuss with kids the importance of having self-confidence and encouraging others.

MEDIA MADNESS

CULTURE & TRENDS

Young Messengers Facebook sparked controversy by releasing a Messenger Kids app, targeted to children ages 6 to 12. Parents must approve what messages and photos kids send—and to whom. But some people say the social media giant is trying to hook new users before they’re old enough to have a Facebook account. (nytimes.cm)

Low-Tech, High Demand According to Pinterest, many of 2018’s top toy trends are refreshingly screen-free and battery-free. Top-ranked “saves” on the site include wooden toys, permanent forts, and pom-pom crafts and décor. (pinterest.com)

QUICK STATS

Failing Grades Although 90% of parents believe their grade-school children are at or above grade level in math and science, tests reveal that only about one-third meet that criteria. (bealearninghero.org)

Speech Stats Between 5% and 8% of children have difficulties with speech or language, and numbers have been on the rise. Some experts say screen-based gadgets are negatively impacting children’s ability to develop communication skills. (various websites)

BOOK Title: Checked Author: Cynthia Kadohata Synopsis: Young Conor is consumed with hockey—and so is his father. When the family’s beloved dog is diagnosed with cancer, Conor puts hockey on hold so they can afford treatment for their pet. Kadohata, a self-described hockey mom, won the Newbery Medal for her first children’s novel (Kira-Kira) and the National Book Award for The Thing About Luck. Our Take: When Conor must take a break from hockey, he has several realizations about family and friends—and himself. Without his favorite sport, Conor wonders what defines him. Written for ages 10 and up, this book will spark discussions about priorities, talents, and relationships.

Games, Sites & Apps

Moss This new virtual reality game for PlayStation 4 features Quill, a mouse who finds a magical stone and goes on an epic journey to find her family. Players work with Quill to explore new areas and solve puzzles. Rated E for Everyone, this game makes players feel as if they’re in a storybook.

MarsPatel.com The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a podcast mystery series performed by actual kids. It’s a mix of Goonies, Spy Kids, and Stranger Things. Although the fast-paced storytelling is geared toward ages 8 to 12, entire families enjoy listening to this podcast together.

Mussila This “musical monster adventure” helps kids learn music basics as they search for lost instruments and costumes. Player

build s

ills as they progress through the fun curriculum-based game. Children can even record their own music. The app is geared toward ages 6 to 8.

This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that

you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, read, listen to, and play.

Fathers & Daughters of young and old…

You are cordially

invited to the

11th Annual Father

Daughter Dance

on Saturday, March 3rd in

the St Peter’s Gym

SIGN UP TODAY! 5:30-6pm for Little Ladies (Pre-school/Kindergarten)

6pm-8pm Lights will be dimmed, and music turned up for a magical event. We certainly hope you and your friends can join us at this annual evening to show that Special Little Lady in your life how God intends for them to be treated with love and respect by

men in their lives. Advance Reservations (by Wed, Feb 14) $20 per Father/Daughter ($5 per extra Daughter)

Reservations after February 14th: $25 per Father/Daughter ($8 per extra Daughter) REGISTER ON-LINE at http://events.eventzilla.net/e/11th-annual-st-peters-lutheran-dance--2138947581

. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this wonderful event please contact

Leigh Denny or Kathy Peters @kpeters@stpeters-columbus.org

JUNE 11-14 9AM-12PM

AGES 4 THRU 5TH GR COMPLETED WATCH FOR REGISTRATION

ONLINE SOON!

Car Crazy: Fun Questions

1.If I were to drive anywhere you wanted, where would you want me to drive?

2. If you were a type of vehicle what would you want to be and why? 3. If you were to take a trip and traveling on any animal, what animal would you want to ride? 4. If you were to open a road-side restaurant, what would you name it, and what kinds of food would you serve? 5. If you were a truck driver, what would you want to haul? 6. Would you rather surf on the roof of our car or be pulled behind our car on a skateboard?

7. Would you rather get lost driving down a road in a dark forest or a street in a scary part of town? 8. Would you rather run out of gas or have a flat tire? 9 Would you rather drive a fire truck or a police car? Why? Some questions to ask how well do your kids know you: 1.What is my favorite place to eat, and what is my favorite food on the menu? 2. If I were to go on vacation anywhere in the world where would I go and why? 3. What is my favorite ice cream place, and what is my favorite flavor?

Talking with Your Kids about God

30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have

By Natasha Crain REVIEW: A simple but powerful book for every Christian parent to have in their toolbox of resources. This well-written and thorough

book is one of the best parenting books written recently. The most important thing a parent can do is to have spiritual conversations

with their children. There are no quick tips or easy answers to be a better parent in this book, just a straight forward approach to spur

families on to 30 of the most power conversations parents can have with their children.

Parental Proverbs The book of Proverbs is a book of

wisdom written to the young people of a

nation. It is full of references to family,

father, mothers, sons and daughters.

We have created this resource to allow

you to share daily words of wisdom and

blessing with your children

Parent Proverb #1: “Wisdom and Blessings”

Respect God, that is the start of knowing what He wants. It is what we want for you too. I want to pray and share a blessing with you over the next 31 days. One of the greatest blessings I can pass along is my encouragement to learn how to be wise. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

_______________________

Parent Proverb #2: “Success and Protection”

Seek God and His wisdom. Our prayer for you is to be successful, but not according to the world’s definition of success. If you walk with God, he will protect you and bless you, that is true success. Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV) He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”

Next month we’ll introduce you to another member of our children’s

ministry team. Think you might like to

join us? Contact Karen Clark to serve in Early childhood (ages 0-Kindergarten). karclark@stpeters-columbus.org

Contact Kathy Peters to serve in Elementary grades First through Fifth grade. kpeters@stpeters-columbus.org

Volunteer Spotlight

Jenny Cantrell is in the spotlight this month. A new feature we’re

starting. We’re so excited with our children’s ministry team we wanted you to meet them! I hope through this Q&A you get to know them a little better.

Jenny is married to Yates and they have a son, Archer.

Tell me how you first got involved in with Children’s

ministry. When I was in BIC Archer loved the group. After BIC was over, Archer begged to go back on Wednesday nights to the kids group. When I mentioned to Kathy how much he missed it, she said she needed help and asked if I would be interested in helping. I’ve been helping since on Wednesday nights and have just started helping in Sunday School. So, I guess it was my kid that got me involved.

What has surprised you most about working in SS or the nursery? The kids and the relationships I am building with them. Also, the relationships I am building with other volunteers. It’s nice to get to know people when you are still ‘new’ to the Church.

What's the best/worst thing to happen since you started working with Ss or nursery? All the new friends I am making with the adults and kiddos. One of the kids even interviewed me as a special person for a class paper. It touched me that a kid I haven’t known long thought that much about me.

What do you wish other people knew about Sunday school or the nursery? I hope they all know what a wonderful program it is and what kind and caring leaders are here and how hard they work to have such a great program.

When your friends/family find out that you volunteer in CM, what do they say or ask? They are very excited for me. I have some friends that volunteer at other Churches and we like to talk about lesson we do and games we play with the kids.

What might someone be surprised to know about you? I used to be the cook for the Isley Brothers and other famous bands and musicians.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering in CM? Go for it! It is rewarding and fun.

What do you do when you aren't working or volunteering? I hang out with my husband and kid. We enjoy playing board games and having a lot of laughs. I also enjoy cooking, gardening and photography.

If you don’t know these people that we are “spotlighting”

please introduce yourself and get to know them.

February

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2 3 Worship 6pm

4 Worship

8 & 1045am SS 930am

5

6 7 8

Worship 7pm

9 JAM

(Jesus And Me) Valentine’s Day service activity

9am

10

Worship 6pm

11 Worship

8 & 1045am SS 930am

12

13

14 Valentine’s Day

Ash Wednesday

12:15 & 7pm

Wed night connections Dinner 515

Class 545-645

15

Worship 7pm

16

17 Worship

6pm

18 Worship

8 & 1045am SS 930am

19

20 21 Lent service 1215 & 7pm

Wed night connections Dinner 515

Class 545-645

22 Worship

7pm

23

24 Worship

6pm

25 Worship

8 & 1045am SS 930am

26

27

Baptism Class 7pm

28

Lent service 1215 & 7pm

Wed night connections Dinner 515

Class 545-645

For more information about JAM (Jesus

and Me) for ages 2-5 year olds and their

parent, grandparent or caregiver, please

contact Heather Bush at 812-343-7487

or Amy Mocas at 812-344-6377

March CPP Dates

Sat March 3 10am

Tues March 6 6:30pm